First of all, it was great to see both Laura and Mona in Monday scenes. It feels like we haven’t seen the duo working with Nicole in a minute. The October 20 episode of Beyond the Gates also featured some important themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and most importantly for Nicole and Ted’s damaged relationship, closure.
Key Takeaways:
- Nicole and Ted finally face the truth about their relationship and find the closure they both need.
- Dani and Andre defend their unconventional marriage — and gain unexpected support from Anita and Vernon.
- Leslie’s possessiveness could spell more trouble for Ted as she slips further into delusional territory.
Nicole and Ted: Forgiveness and Closure
So Ted (Keith D. Robinson) and Nicole’s moment in his hotel room was just that. A moment. Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant) thwarted things by pulling the fire alarm. But that moment was enough to give Ted a serious dose of hope. On the flip side, it gave Nicole (Daphnée Duplaix) some time to think about things and realize that it was a good thing the two of them didn’t have sex.
Image Credit: CBS/Paramount
However, she was able to forgive Ted for his affair, for his lies, for his ruining their ideal life together. At the same time, she admitted she wouldn’t be able to forget what he did anytime soon. She said that maybe, down the line, they could be friends. This means, the two will be entering new phases of their lives. And it won’t be with each other.
For Nicole, Carlton (Robert Christopher Riley) is on the immediate horizon. And, who knows, maybe a certain daytime alum who has joined BTG but hasn’t started airing yet. For Ted, he is going to have to figure out how to avoid getting back into the thick of things with Leslie, because she is bad news. And right now she is feeling territorial and possessive. And whatever she says, she’s leaning more towards the delusional end of the swimming pool rather than her self-proclaimed determined status.
This conversation is the closure Ted and Nicole needed.
Dani and Andre: The Brunch Summit
Anita and Vernon meant business on Monday. They summoned Dani and Andre over to their place for brunch. They didn’t even care that the newlyweds were about to order their own breakfast at the country club. Anita gave them 15 minutes, so of course, the couple hightailed it over to the mansion.
Once there, Dani couldn’t believe her parents still had questions or any comments on her new marriage. She told them she was a grown woman who could make her decisions. But Anita and Vernon positioned it as wanting to clarify their situationship for their own purposes. They just didn’t understand what in the world was going on with them.
Dani and Andre: Acceptance
By the end of these separate chats (Vernon with Andre while Anita and Dani conversed), the Dupree king and queen better understood their marriage and relationship. Even though they may not be IN love with each other, Dani and Andre loved what they had. It lives somewhere outside the box and it works for them.
Dani (Karla Mosley, who was spotted on the red carpet of the 52nd Daytime Emmys) said she loved Andre (Sean Freeman) as a friend and partner. He makes her laugh and she loves the way she feels when she is with him. There is a chance things could go deeper, but it doesn’t necessarily have to go there.
Meanwhile, Andre told Vernon (Clifton Davis, who’s character is starting to keep secrets from his wife) that his feelings hadn’t changed since the last time he had a summit with his now father-in-law. It works for them and they’re not going to let anybody else ruin the purity of it.
Image: CBS/Paramount
Ultimately, Anita (Tamara Tunie) and Vernon had no choice but to accept Dani and Andre’s marriage and hope that their union continues and doesn’t go bust. They even sealed the moment with a group sparkling cider toast.
The frank talks that happened with both couples were really nice. But let’s see how things development from here.
What did you think of Monday’s BTG? Let us know in the comments.
